Researchers find why San Andreas fault hasn’t caused a big earthquake in L.A. — yet

[rangerrebew]

Researchers find why San Andreas fault hasn’t caused a big earthquake in L.A. — yet
Story by Kasha Patel • Yesterday 11:01 AM

 
San Andreas Fault
 
The southern San Andreas fault in California is in a seismic drought, going more than 300 years without a major earthquake. New research shows the lack of seismic activity may be due to the drying of the nearby Salton Sea and provides clues on future potential earthquake triggers, including projects aimed to refill the body of water.

One of the largest faults in the world, the 800-mile-long San Andreas marks the meeting of the North American and Pacific plates in western California. The fault has three sections, but the southern section from the Salton Sea to Parkfield, Calif., has been historically the quietest — and that’s not a positive. The pent-up energy, when released, could be catastrophic to nearby populated cities.

“This fault poses the largest seismic hazard in all of California,” said Ryley Hill, lead author and PhD candidate at San Diego State University. “The southern San Andreas fault is a locked section, and when this fault ruptures … it would cause significant damage to the Los Angeles metropolitan area.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/researchers-find-why-san-andreas-fault-hasn-t-caused-a-big-earthquake-in-l-a-yet/ar-AA1cfsHq?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=23a55a58776e4222889c9b03aa8ec7d0&ei=18

[Smokin Joe]

 

[GtHawk]

I didn't know it was by earthquake month again already! As a Californian all I can say is

[mountaineer]

The Northridge quake of 1994 (magnitude 6.7) and the San Francisco earthquake of 1989 (6.9) weren't "major"? (Not to mention other California quakes over 7.0 in 1992, 1999, 2010 and 2019).

[GtHawk]

The Northridge quake of 1994 (magnitude 6.7) and the San Francisco earthquake of 1989 (6.9) weren't "major"? (Not to mention other California quakes over 7.0 in 1992, 1999, 2010 and 2019).

Meh, not to Californians...unless of course it was you or family that got pancaked by collapsing frwys or buildings. I t's all what you get used to growing up I suppose. I was expecting to see something more about the we're all gonna die Yellowstone apocalypse not earthquake news.

[Sighlass]

I just know the one earthquake I remember (4.5) that centered just miles from me was pretty scary for us... Cracked my chimney and everyone in town went outside in the middle of the night in surprise. I can't imagine what stronger quakes would be like.

The good news is everyone in Southern California has access to a makeshift tent if their houses/apartments suffer major damage if they run the druggies off the streets and into the woods.
/end semi-sarcasm